The Heir Apparent:The Life of Edward VII, the Playboy Prince

Jane Ridley

Bertie, Queen Victoria's oldest son, had a reputation as a gambler, a womanizer and a wastrel. Although he stood next in line for the throne, Victoria considered him to be too self-absorbed and dim-witted to follow her illustrious reign. However, at the age of 59 when he finally became king, the playboy image of Bertie was left behind as King Edward VII became the proper and mature diplomat who brought the British monarchy into the modern age. Ridley was given access to the royal archives and took 10 years to write what The London Independent has called "one of the best books about royalty ever published."